Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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109. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the number of Garda vehicles operating out of Carrick-on-Shannon Garda station in County Leitrim has been reduced by two Garda cars, one Garda transport vehicle and one Garda motorcycle in recent months in view of the number of gardaí stationed there and the volume of tourist traffic in the town and surrounding area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43787/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The provision and allocation of Garda transport is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of identified operational circumstances and the availability of resources.

Responsibility for the efficient deployment of Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between stations, as required by operational circumstances. The Deputy will appreciate that a degree of flexibility in allocating and re-allocating vehicles among stations, so as to best match the allocation of resources with policing priorities, is essential to the efficient management of the Garda fleet.

In that context, I am advised by the Garda authorities that the number of Garda vehicles assigned to the Leitrim District, in which the station referred to is located, is 11.

The Deputy will be aware that I recently secured an additional €10 million for investment in the Garda fleet. This funding will provide for a significant number of new Garda vehicles. In that context, I am advised by the Garda authorities that, to date, an order for 370 new vehicles has been placed. These vehicles will be allocated over the coming months, following fit out, in accordance with the Garda Commissioner's identified operational requirements.